Melania Ariosto, 59, USAF officer and operating room nurse, St. James Catholic member

Melania M. (Giovannini) Ariosto, 59, of Lititz, returned to the Lord on Sept. 14, 2016, while surrounded by her loved ones.

Born to the late Bruno and Sylvia (Piczak) Giovannini of Mocanaqua; Melania was a graduate of Greater Nanticoke High School and Sacred Heart Hospital School of Nursing in Allentown.

After graduation, Melania served her country as a United States Air Force officer and operating room nurse. In 1983, while stationed in northern California, Melania met and married her best friend and partner, Thomas Ariosto, also an Air Force officer. In connection with their military service, Melania, Tom, and their three children lived in Michigan, California, Colorado, Texas, and Maryland. After Tom’s retirement from the Air Force, they settled in Lititz in 2005. Tom and Melania are members of St. James Catholic Church, Lititz.

Melania is survived by her beloved husband: Tom; children: Kelly Neal and her husband Thomas, Pittsburgh; Timothy Ariosto, Milford, Conn.; and Christian Ariosto, State College; and grandson: James Neal. Another grandson is expected in December.

Melania’s greatest accomplishment was the example she set for her family. Melania raised three adoring children and gave them the gifts of unconditional love and a firm foundation of faith in God. Melania and Tom shared 33 years of marriage in which tears were far outweighed by laughter. Their devotion and commitment to each other has been inspirational for their friends and family. Melania will be dearly missed and her memory cherished by her loved ones who are confident in her eternal reward.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Services were held Sept. 19 at St. James Catholic Church, Lititz. She was interred in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.